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While companies are increasingly aware of the benefits of digital supply networks (DSNs), many remain in the early phases of adoption, according to a new study conducted by Deloitte and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI).

The study, "Embracing a Digital Future," reveals a disconnect between executives’ opinions of their DSN efforts and actual implementation. The survey of more than 200 manufacturing organizations found that 51% of respondents believe their DSN maturity is at least “above average” compared to competitors, yet only 28% have started implementing DSN solutions.

Further, survey results suggest that end-to-end supply chain transparency is the No. 1 operational goal for many manufacturers, as it represents the key to significant efficiency gains, yet only 6% of survey respondents are part of a manufacturing ecosystem in which every member of the ecosystem can see each other’s data.

“While enthusiasm is high and manufacturers realize the benefits of Digital Supply Networks, many companies struggle to identify the right technology landscape which will provide the most value when they are approaching a digital shift, said Stephen Laaper, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and co-author of the study.

“As a result, many hold off with key aspects of their transformation, which in turn puts their transformation at too slow a place to avoid disruption.”

Understanding Impact and Creating Value

Most executives surveyed believe DSNs can provide significant advantages in comparison to traditional linear supply chains, but few expect implementation will lead to game-changing positive impact. Over half of the respondents surveyed (56%) said they believe a DSN will provide a significant benefit to their company.

Speed is a primary consideration among manufacturing organizations surveyed. Most respondents (52%) cited the ability to dramatically reduce the time to make strategic decisions as a top reason, followed by the ability to operate more efficiently and effectively (43%).

Many manufacturing companies also recognize the potential financial benefits of DSNs. When asked about the most important financial goals of a DSN, many cited increasing sales efficiency/effectiveness (22%), reducing operating costs (17%) and improving pricing and margins (17%).

Key Challenges Facing Manufacturers

The changing nature of work in advanced manufacturing technology may also impact DSN rollouts. Two of the biggest barriers associated with implementing DSNs were finding and training employees, each cited by 30% of respondents as a top challenge.

Additionally, organizations are potentially hesitant to change. Nearly 4 in 10 (37%) respondents say overcoming resistance to change is the greatest risk to the success of their DSN initiatives, following operating in silos/lack of integration (33%).

“There is no one way to deploy a DSN,” said John Miller, council director, MAPI. “All companies operate differently, thus their DSN implementations carry unique challenges based on the existing infrastructure, talent base, culture and technological requirements.”

Nearly one-fifth (17%) of respondents say cyber risk is the main reason they are reluctant to provide production data to outside suppliers, a key component of many DSNs. However, few have taken action to protect themselves, as just 38% have conducted an internal cyber risk assessment in the past year.

Blockchain could alleviate cyber risk concerns by allowing authenticated data communication across the network. However, in the study, blockchain was among those drawing the least investment attention at 17% of respondents.

“Blockchain can increase trust and transparency among ecosystem partners while helping reduce both the cost and risk of moving information across a supply network,” continued Laaper. “As organizations develop a greater understanding of this relatively nascent technology and the value it represents, adoption rates should increase.”

The Path Forward to DSNs

While there are clearly still many hurdles companies can face on their way to digital transformation, respondents were optimistic about the future overall. Deloitte and MAPI’s study suggests that executives clearly recognize the benefits of implementing digital supply networks, particularly by way of increased efficiency, speed-to-market and improving top and bottom line numbers.

To determine the best route to digital transformation, companies should consider the following questions:

--What is the strategic vision they are working toward?

-- How are they going to win?

-- How do they execute in sprints to start down the path without having all the details worked out?

“Companies that are too conservative in their approach may wait too long before finally implementing initiatives that are too large and complex,” added Miller. “In the end, these companies risk being late to the game and implementing solutions whose value is hard to measure because of either the time it takes to show an improvement or the overall scale of the implementation.”

As an alternative, Deloitte and MAPI recommend companies adopt a “Digital Foundry” approach where ideas that have breakthrough potential in terms of business impact are generated and screened before being prototyped and piloted in a sequence of sprints. In this way, companies can reduce the barriers to DSN implementation and effectively manage their exposure to risk by validating ideas using defined steps in a controlled environment.